Review: Alex Perry Hotel & Apartments, Brisbane

One of the contemporary bedrooms inside the Alex Perry Hotel & Apartments.

24 August 2016 . BY Tiana Templeman

Last updated . 10 March 2020

From the catwalk to the streets of Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley, can Alex Perry’s first hotel deliver in more than just style?

Perhaps because Alex Perry is a fashion designer known for his high-end womenswear, it quickly becomes apparent the designer-turned-hotelier knows what a girl wants out of her mini-break.

First impressions are sweet, with the fragrance of roses filling reception and a welcome from the staff proving as warm as the sunny day outside. But it’s the in-room amenities that really impress.

The entrance of Alex Perry Hotel & Apartments, Brisbane.

My partner and I are here to enjoy a night out on the town in hip Fortitude Valley and our chic apartment promises to be the perfect place to glam up for the occasion, with plenty of gal-pleasing goodies such as a GHD hair straightener, make-up remover towelettes and Molton Brown toiletries.

Reminiscent of a cool New York pad with contemporary furnishings and a sleek colour palette, the apartment’s master bedroom is more compact than luxe, but there is a full-size kitchen and the lounge is big enough for dancing, which (almost) makes up for the small bedroom.

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Before we paint the town red, we spend a lazy afternoon swimming laps in the heated rooftop pool, enjoying views of the Brisbane skyline as we soak up the sun.

There is no in-house restaurant, however the barbecue area up here on the rooftop is free to use.

But with a host of dining venues just a few minutes away, from clamorous yum cha in Chinatown to the upmarket restaurants lining James Street and the sophisticated Italian of Tartufo just across the road, we give the DIY cook-up a miss.

We do agree, though, that sitting under the stars on the rooftop with a takeaway pizza would also be a fine idea with that sparkling view.

And so, later that night, we head back to the rooftop and curl up on the big-enough-for-two outdoor lounge with a bottle of chardonnay (which was complimentary with the room) and watch the lights of the Story Bridge twinkle in the distance.

We have found our little piece of paradise in this hip and happening hood.

When we tuck ourselves into bed that night, we are pleasantly surprised to discover how quiet the apartment is, despite the lively area whose revellers party until the wee hours.

The bedroom might be a bit small but it delivers a superb rest after our night on the town.

It seems Mr Perry understands that a girl needs her beauty sleep, too.

The details: Alex Perry Hotel & Apartments, Brisbane

Verdict: A swish inner-city apartment hotel with designer good looks and a refreshing lack of pretentiousness.

Score: 3.5/4

We rated: The friendly service, designer décor and value for money. Plus the rooftop oasis where we spent much of our time.

We’d change: The queen-size bed to a king (but it probably wouldn’t fit in the room).

Notes: We booked a TravelZoo special for $229, which included one night’s accommodation in a two-bedroom apartment, a welcome bottle of wine, complimentary wi-fi and parking, breakfast for two at a nearby cafe, and late check-out.

All AT reviews are conducted anonymously and our writers pay their own way – so we experience exactly what you would.